Kaseya Center sits along the shoreline of Biscayne Bay at 601 Biscayne Boulevard in downtown Miami, Florida. Opened on December 31, 1999 with a Gloria Estefan concert, the arena became the full-time home of the NBA’s Miami Heat beginning January 2, 2000. Built at a cost of $213 million and designed by the firms Arquitectonica and 360 Architecture, the waterfront venue seats up to 19,600 fans for basketball and has hosted six NBA Finals series — more than almost any arena of its generation.
The arena has carried several names since its debut as American Airlines Arena in 1999. It briefly became FTX Arena in 2021 under a $135 million deal, but that arrangement collapsed following the cryptocurrency exchange’s high-profile bankruptcy. After a short interim stint as Miami-Dade Arena, IT management company Kaseya secured a 17-year, $117.4 million naming rights agreement in April 2023. In October 2024, the playing surface inside was officially dedicated as Pat Riley Court, honoring the executive and coach who built Miami’s championship dynasty.
Stats at a Glance
- Team(s): Miami Heat (NBA)
- Location: 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Florida
- Opened: December 31, 1999
- Capacity: 19,600 (basketball)
- Construction Cost: $213 million
- NBA Finals Hosted: 6 (2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2023)
- Naming Rights Deal: $117.4 million over 17 years (Kaseya, 2023)
Inside the Arena
Beyond the main bowl, Kaseya Center houses The Waterfront Theater, billed as the largest indoor theater in Florida, with a flexible capacity of 3,000 to 5,800 for more intimate concerts and shows. The broader venue features 80 luxury suites, 76 private boxes, and 2,105 club seats, placing it among the more premium NBA facilities in the league.
The arena has long served as Miami’s primary entertainment hub. The Premio Lo Nuestro Latin music awards have been staged here annually since 2001. The venue has also hosted major UFC events, WWE pay-per-views including the 2006 Royal Rumble, and top-tier concert tours, making it a cornerstone of South Florida’s live event scene year-round.
Championships and Legacy
The Miami Heat won three NBA championships while playing home games at this arena — in 2006, 2012, and 2013. The 2013 run produced one of the most iconic moments in Finals history, Ray Allen’s corner three-pointer in Game 6 to force overtime, with the Heat going on to win Game 7 on their home floor.
The arena’s legacy runs deeper than basketball. The Pat Riley Court dedication in October 2024 recognized the man most responsible for transforming the Heat into a perennial contender. Combined with its striking waterfront setting and decades of marquee events, Kaseya Center stands as one of the most recognizable arenas in American professional sports.
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Kaseya Center FAQs
What team plays at Kaseya Center?
Kaseya Center is the home arena of the Miami Heat, an NBA franchise that has played at the venue since January 2000.
What was Kaseya Center called before?
The arena opened as American Airlines Arena in 1999, then became FTX Arena in 2021. After FTX’s bankruptcy it was briefly called Miami-Dade Arena before Kaseya secured naming rights in April 2023.
How many people does Kaseya Center hold?
Kaseya Center holds up to 19,600 fans for NBA basketball. Capacity varies for other events; the separate Waterfront Theater inside accommodates between 3,000 and 5,800 for smaller shows.
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Photo: Phillip Pessar / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.